Food waste is a global problem that cuts through all sectors of today's society and, apart from generating environmental, social and economic problems, it also raises ethical challenges, since 9% of the world's population suffers from hunger.
Given this situation, organizations and agents belonging to the agri-food chain need to highlight their food waste prevention and reduction programmes.
The AENOR Zero Waste certification recognizes organizations that prioritize good proactive management and the recovery of surpluses that cannot be destined for human consumption, within the defined scope, to avoid sending them to the landfill.
In response to this need, as part of the trust platform "Combating Food Waste", AENOR is offering its new Zero Food Waste Certification, which will help organizations to:
The label distinguishes the effectiveness of the measures implemented by organizations to contribute to the reduction of food waste.
The aspects assessed by AENOR include all the actions that an organization takes to prevent generating surpluses, and when these occur, the amounts and processes that led to their production are evaluated to minimize the food that can end up being discarded, to efficiently manage any waste, and to remain committed to continuous improvement.
This mark distinguishes the effectiveness of the measures implemented by organizations to combat food waste.
The AENOR certification model allows companies to showcase their efforts and engage better with consumers.
The success of this initiative requires compliance with a series of basic requirements, such as the preparation of a detailed inventory of food waste, determining types and quantities, as well as the processes and activities that generate it; the establishment of a mass balance to track the entry and exit of food at all stages of the process; prioritising actions to reduce waste according to an established hierarchy; the calculation of the percentage of a product to be disposed of in relation to the total food input; the development of a comprehensive food waste reduction plan, and the implementation of a robust management system to ensure compliance with the requirements.
As part the methodology to be implemented, it is worth noting that the AENOR Zero Food Waste Certification is based on five foundations:
The Zero Food Waste certification is designed for organizations involved in the agri-food chain, from fruit and vegetable handling centres, industries, logistics centres, large retailers, and points of sale, to hotels and restaurants, among others.
Once the evaluation process has been successfully completed in accordance with the established requirements, the organisation obtains the AENOR Zero Food Waste mark, together with the verification statement specifying the percentage of product intended for each category of waste minimising measures.
Once the audit process has been completed, the organisation obtains:
First distribution company certified by AENOR in Zero Food Waste
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